Raleigh special education teacher receives national recognition for innovative teaching

TIME magazine recently released their list of most innovative teachers and it includes a special education teacher in Raleigh.

Joann Blumfeld helps student with disabilities discover their special abilities in the science, technology, engineering and math fields of study.

"I always say that people with disabilities are the greatest wasted national resource we have in this country," said Blumenfeld.

She has helped her students achieve beyond expectations. Eight years ago, with grant support, she began a free summer program called CATALYST at North Carolina State University’s Science House.

"We typically want kids three and four years. The longer they are with us, we can build their skill set and get ready for college," said Blumenfeld.

Her success helped attract business partnerships. Among those companies offering grants and other financial assistance are Verizon, Fidelity, IBM and SASS Institute. Many also offer paid internships including various aerospace engineering departments.

"We really think this is important for the kids to feel the value of their work," said Blumenfeld. "They work in STEM labs, science and engineering labs."

Her Geographic Information Systems and Technology, or GIST, program for ninth and tenth graders with autism connects them with geo-spatial technologies.

"Helping kids learn different systems of mapping things like that and also drone piloting," said Blumenfeld.

Blumenfeld's program has won a total of five national awards.

"We’re the only team ever to win at MIT with all students with disabilities," said Blumenfeld, adding that MIT also provided the program with a $10,000 grant.

However, Blumenfeld said creating the same opportunity for special education students across the county is the biggest challenge.

"Eighty percent of these kids are unemployed between the ages of 24 and 64. Yet these kids have so many gifts to give," said Blumenfeld.

That's why TIME’s Innovative Teachers of 2022 honored Blumenfeld’s efforts and her passion to help this special group of students.

"Everyone needs purpose in life and having a good job and something that they love to do is really important for everybody," said Blumenfeld.

She adds that she hopes the programs she developed will be replicated by other educators across the country and help more kids with disabilities get into high-paying STEM careers. Currently, many special education students from across the state travel to Raleigh to participate in their programs.